RI & MA Firearms & Weapon Defense Attorney

What are Firearm & Weapon Offenses?

The Second Amendment right to bear arms is not without limitation. A complex web of state and federal laws exists regulating the possession and use of firearms.

Some laws restrict the type of firearms that one may possession, while others place limitations on magazine capacity or the number of bullets that a particular firearm may hold at one time.

Federal firearms laws apply uniformly throughout the country, while state laws vary from state to state.

Examples of firearms law

Examples of firearms law include those banning possession of automatic weapons or in some states, semi-automatic, military-style rifles.

Other examples include magazine capacity limitations of 10 rounds in semi-automatic handguns or pistols and restrictions on the use and possession of certain types of ammunition.

Another example of restrictions related to the modification of firearms such as converting a lawful semi-automatic rifle to automatic rifle or cutting the barrel on a shotgun to a length below the required legal barrel length limit.

Possession of Firearms

Some states ban possession of a firearm outside of your home in absence of a special license often referred to as a license to carry a firearm or concealed carry permit.

Exceptions may apply for transporting unloaded firearms from your home to a designated shooting range or hunting area, or for persons moving from one to state to another who must transport their firearms across state lines from their former state of residence to their new home or state of residence.

Transporting of firearms

Transporting of firearms, where permissible, is also subject to certain restrictions regarding the precise manner by which firearms must be transported.

Common restrictions require the firearms to be transported in an unloaded condition and stored separately from any ammunition in a locked case or container.

Carrying a loaded firearm on one’s person or inside of a vehicle in the absence of a special license, is often barred by law. This includes both openly carried and concealed loaded weapons.

Discharging a firearm

Discharging a firearm in an area other than a designated range is also illegal. This includes the obvious condition of firing or discharging a firearm in the direction of others for purposes of inflicting death or bodily harm.

Similarly speaking, it is also against the law to discharge a firearm inside of a dwelling other than a designed indoor firing range, or in a populated or inhabited area such as a neighborhood, public park or similar area, or commercial establishment.

Many laws punish both intentional and accidental discharges under these varying circumstances.

Failure to comply with any gun or firearms law

Failure to comply with any gun or firearms law, regulation or restriction may lead to criminal consequences under both state and/or federal law. Some states are more liberal or restrictive than others when it comes to regulating the ownership, possession, carry and use of firearms.

If you have been charged with a Firearms Offense

It is important that you consult with and seek legal representation from an attorney who is familiar with firearms and well-versed in the nuances of firearms law in both state and federal jurisdictions.

If you have been charged with firearms or weapons offense and need representation, contact the RI defense attorneys at Law Office of John L. Calcagni III by email or call today at (401) 351-5100 to schedule a free consultation.

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John Calcagni is the best of the best. I retained him multiple times to represent me in various military matters, to include administrative separation. John is an expert in his field. He is knowledge, professional, caring and aggressive. He has obtained nothing but top results and success on my behalf. I recommend him to anyone in need of legal representation. If you want the number one lawyer in your corner, John is your man.

I had the pleasure of working with John and his team this past year and I couldn't be happier with the service I received. John and his team were professional, courteous and most of all incredibly effective. If I ever need legal services again I will definitely engage John Calcagni and his outstanding team again.

I highly recommend John Calcagni and his team. My daughter attends college in RI and we live in NY. She found herself in trouble and was arrested on a Disorderly Conduct matter. Our good friend is an attorney in NY and when we realized he could not represent us in RI he found a colleague who highly recommended John. From the first conversation with John, who responded to my initial message immediately, I knew we would be in good hands. He answered all questions and explained the process in as much detail as needed. He was very confident that he would get the charges dismissed. He worked closely with my daughter (his client) while keeping in touch with us, the parents. John was always attainable to us via email, text or phone call and took his time to be sure we understood each step of the case. John delivered the outcome he promised and exactly what we were looking for, we couldn't be more pleased. I would not hesitate to recommend him and (god forbid) I need assistance with the law in RI again, he would be the first call I make!! Thanks John for everything you did for our daughter!!! Mary and Wayne DeBello

I don’t know where to begin! When I first met with John, I immediately felt like I was in good hands. He is charismatic, funny and really takes the time to get to know you and get a feel for your case. He was very detail oriented and thorough and worked with me for almost two years. Through this exhausting and stressful process, he made me feel comfortable and made sure I understood what was going on every step of the way. I am so thankful I went with John and would absolutely, without a doubt recommend him to anyone who needs help.

I'm an active duty soldier and I got a DUI. I deserved the penalties and reprimands but I did not deserve to loose everything. When I was notified that I would be facing a QMP board for separation I knew I had to do all I could to fight back against it for myself and for my family. I am extremely grateful for John and his team. I had no idea about the list of standards I was up against that the board would use to determine weather or not I could keep my job and continue to support my family. Mr. Calcagni systematically itemized and proved beyond a doubt that I met and or exceeded each standard giving the board a clear picture that I still hold value to the Army. He took my personal side and my professional side along with all the legal points and drafted a rebuttal that saved my career. Had I attempted to go against the board on my own I would have surely been denied. Not because I deserved it, but because it is a battle that soldiers are not equipped to deal with on their own and the Army provides zero support. It's terrifying to think back about all that I was up against that I didn't even know about. John and his team come highly recommended and I can't thank them enough for leveling the playing field and placing the control of my career back into my hands. My family and I are forever grateful.

We retained John and firm for a police investigation. An investigation had begun with possible charges to follow. We knew we needed help. In looking at Johns CV I was most happy with his background and hired him immediately. John actually came over to our home, and talked about everything. He was wonderful. Great personality. Great knowledge of the court system and the law. John made sure it was known that we had hired him. He spoke to all and the investigation was dropped and no charges were followed.

Great man John Calcagni! He is so gentle and nice, did excellent jobs and professionally as always. He is more like a friend, listening and guiding you throughout the difficulties whenever you need him. Thanks for his awesome job brings me and my family reunion again. The best lawyer you can have in RI area.

I am a retired military officer that needed John to keep my 20yrs of service and retirement in tact. I was being blasted from all sides with a bunch high ranking folks trying to smear, discredit, and erase me. John put up a defense that made me very humble. In the end, I was able to retire honorably and keep some sense of accomplishment. He is an attorney with guts and a mastery of the law. I thank him for his service and would recommend John to anybody.

John Calcagni and his team were extremely helpful with my case from start to finish. They were hard working and devoted to getting me the best outcome possible. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone who needs a well experienced team that can help you in the most difficult of times.

I’ve never met anyone in life quite like John! He is a driven, compassionate, confident person who will fight for what is right. He is trustworthy and effective. I recommend him without any reservations!

I was recommended to John's office and him and his staff were great! He is extremely knowledgeable and helpful educating his clients. His staff and John are readily available to answer any questions at any time of day. Great company, I would highly recommend to all!

I am extremely happy & blessed to have come across John. He is very respectful and Pleasant. John makes sure you are aware of everything that is happening with your case and always makes sure he answers all of your questions. He is very smart and very easy to work with. Go see him!!

I am an Army Officer who retained Attorney John L. Calcagni III to assist with an unfortunate issue that adversely impacted my military career. John is a former Army JAG with a great deal of military law experience. If you have a military law issue (administrative or court-martial) and wish to hire civilian counsel, Attorney Calcagni is your top choice. John is responsive, knowledgeable, well-spoken, well-written, and overall, a true professional and expert in his field. I would not hesitate to call upon John again if I ever need legal representation again for an issue involving my military career. He is second to none and stands heads and shoulders above his peers. If you are in need of civilian defense counsel, call him today. You won’t be disappointed.

John is a straight shooter... I was referred to John from another attorney that I have complete trust in and needed to clear a case that could have crippled my work. John did that he was on the case and was able to completely clear the air. What better news then CASE COMPLETELY GONE, DROPPED! Great law firm! JC! Thank you!

I am a former Cadet of the United States Coast Guard Academy. In 2017 I found myself threatened by false accusations which had the potential of putting me at risk of court martial. After being blindsided by military leaders I once trusted and being held against my will in an emergency room to receive a mental evaluation, me and my family decided it was time to hire an attorney. John was my saving grace at times when I felt completely alone and had nobody on my side. As a 21 year old, I was not ready to be fighting the military let alone any run-of-the-mill legal battles. John protected me from the deceptive tricks used by investigators and advised me throughout the year-long investigation. Afterwards, we spent 4 exhaustive months together drafting appeals to my unfavorable discharge. For nearly a year and a half John constantly made time for me, regardless of arguably more pressing cases he had going on. After my final appeal I was honorably discharged from the Coast Guard which is a result I am completely satisfied with. John is personable, hardworking, and will make time for you no matter what. John is a no BS attorney and will tell it to you straight, there will be no need to doubt yourself with him on your side.

Reviews

John Calcagni is the best of the best. I retained him multiple times to represent me in various military matters, to include administrative separation. John is an expert in his field. He is knowledge, professional, caring and aggressive. He has obtained nothing but top results and success on my behalf. I recommend him to anyone in need of legal representation. If you want the number one lawyer in your corner, John is your man.

Andrew Michaud

13:21 21 Sep 18

I had the pleasure of working with John and his team this past year and I couldn't be happier with the service I received. John and his team were professional, courteous and most of all incredibly effective. If I ever need legal services again I will definitely engage John Calcagni and his outstanding team again.

MARY DEBELLO

18:23 11 Sep 18

I highly recommend John Calcagni and his team. My daughter attends college in RI and we live in NY. She found herself in trouble and was arrested on a Disorderly Conduct matter. Our good friend is an attorney in NY and when we realized he could not represent us in RI he found a colleague who highly recommended John. From the first conversation with John, who responded to my initial message immediately, I knew we would be in good hands. He answered all questions and explained the process in as much detail as needed. He was very confident that he would get the charges dismissed. He worked closely with my daughter (his client) while keeping in touch with us, the parents. John was always attainable to us via email, text or phone call and took his time to be sure we understood each step of the case. John delivered the outcome he promised and exactly what we were looking for, we couldn't be more pleased. I would not hesitate to recommend him and (god forbid) I need assistance with the law in RI again, he would be the first call I make!! Thanks John for everything you did for our daughter!!! Mary and Wayne DeBello

Jen Marie

22:33 23 Jun 18

I don’t know where to begin! When I first met with John, I immediately felt like I was in good hands. He is charismatic, funny and really takes the time to get to know you and get a feel for your case. He was very detail oriented and thorough and worked with me for almost two years. Through this exhausting and stressful process, he made me feel comfortable and made sure I understood what was going on every step of the way. I am so thankful I went with John and would absolutely, without a doubt recommend him to anyone who needs help.

John Madden

18:11 05 Sep 18

I'm an active duty soldier and I got a DUI. I deserved the penalties and reprimands but I did not deserve to loose everything. When I was notified that I would be facing a QMP board for separation I knew I had to do all I could to fight back against it for myself and for my family. I am extremely grateful for John and his team. I had no idea about the list of standards I was up against that the board would use to determine weather or not I could keep my job and continue to support my family. Mr. Calcagni systematically itemized and proved beyond a doubt that I met and or exceeded each standard giving the board a clear picture that I still hold value to the Army. He took my personal side and my professional side along with all the legal points and drafted a rebuttal that saved my career. Had I attempted to go against the board on my own I would have surely been denied. Not because I deserved it, but because it is a battle that soldiers are not equipped to deal with on their own and the Army provides zero support. It's terrifying to think back about all that I was up against that I didn't even know about. John and his team come highly recommended and I can't thank them enough for leveling the playing field and placing the control of my career back into my hands. My family and I are forever grateful.

Susan Richberg

17:55 24 Jan 19

We retained John and firm for a police investigation. An investigation had begun with possible charges to follow. We knew we needed help. In looking at Johns CV I was most happy with his background and hired him immediately. John actually came over to our home, and talked about everything. He was wonderful. Great personality. Great knowledge of the court system and the law. John made sure it was known that we had hired him. He spoke to all and the investigation was dropped and no charges were followed.

dianjie jiang

07:11 18 Dec 18

Great man John Calcagni! He is so gentle and nice, did excellent jobs and professionally as always. He is more like a friend, listening and guiding you throughout the difficulties whenever you need him. Thanks for his awesome job brings me and my family reunion again. The best lawyer you can have in RI area.

Peter Lawrence

15:06 22 Dec 18

I am a retired military officer that needed John to keep my 20yrs of service and retirement in tact. I was being blasted from all sides with a bunch high ranking folks trying to smear, discredit, and erase me. John put up a defense that made me very humble. In the end, I was able to retire honorably and keep some sense of accomplishment. He is an attorney with guts and a mastery of the law. I thank him for his service and would recommend John to anybody.

kevin vilao

18:21 12 Jan 19

John Calcagni and his team were extremely helpful with my case from start to finish. They were hard working and devoted to getting me the best outcome possible. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone who needs a well experienced team that can help you in the most difficult of times.

Eric Ricci

22:12 02 Jan 19

I’ve never met anyone in life quite like John! He is a driven, compassionate, confident person who will fight for what is right. He is trustworthy and effective. I recommend him without any reservations!

Karyn Ashley Roda

20:51 28 Jan 19

I was recommended to John's office and him and his staff were great! He is extremely knowledgeable and helpful educating his clients. His staff and John are readily available to answer any questions at any time of day. Great company, I would highly recommend to all!

Zaira Bello

16:45 25 Feb 19

I am extremely happy & blessed to have come across John. He is very respectful and Pleasant. John makes sure you are aware of everything that is happening with your case and always makes sure he answers all of your questions. He is very smart and very easy to work with. Go see him!!

Justin Maroney

03:04 18 Feb 19

I am an Army Officer who retained Attorney John L. Calcagni III to assist with an unfortunate issue that adversely impacted my military career. John is a former Army JAG with a great deal of military law experience. If you have a military law issue (administrative or court-martial) and wish to hire civilian counsel, Attorney Calcagni is your top choice. John is responsive, knowledgeable, well-spoken, well-written, and overall, a true professional and expert in his field. I would not hesitate to call upon John again if I ever need legal representation again for an issue involving my military career. He is second to none and stands heads and shoulders above his peers. If you are in need of civilian defense counsel, call him today. You won’t be disappointed.

Jeff Goyette

19:55 29 Jan 19

John is a straight shooter... I was referred to John from another attorney that I have complete trust in and needed to clear a case that could have crippled my work. John did that he was on the case and was able to completely clear the air. What better news then CASE COMPLETELY GONE, DROPPED! Great law firm! JC! Thank you!

Ian McSherry

16:20 18 Mar 19

I am a former Cadet of the United States Coast Guard Academy. In 2017 I found myself threatened by false accusations which had the potential of putting me at risk of court martial. After being blindsided by military leaders I once trusted and being held against my will in an emergency room to receive a mental evaluation, me and my family decided it was time to hire an attorney. John was my saving grace at times when I felt completely alone and had nobody on my side. As a 21 year old, I was not ready to be fighting the military let alone any run-of-the-mill legal battles. John protected me from the deceptive tricks used by investigators and advised me throughout the year-long investigation. Afterwards, we spent 4 exhaustive months together drafting appeals to my unfavorable discharge. For nearly a year and a half John constantly made time for me, regardless of arguably more pressing cases he had going on. After my final appeal I was honorably discharged from the Coast Guard which is a result I am completely satisfied with. John is personable, hardworking, and will make time for you no matter what. John is a no BS attorney and will tell it to you straight, there will be no need to doubt yourself with him on your side.

Mr. Calcagni is an absolute LIFE SAVER!!! He is genuinely one of the most intelligent people I have ever met in my life! He masterfully saved my husband's naval career TWICE when we thought all hope was lost at a command where bias and dishonesty rule. My husband and I are forever in his debt and there is not enough we could do or say to show our gratitude. He has a big heart and he fought hard for our family. We would recommend him a thousand times over!!!!